portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pȯr-ˈtrā(-ə)l 

pər-

1

: the act or process or an instance of portraying : representation

2

: portrait

Synonyms

• definition
• delineation
• depiction
• description
• picture
• portrait
• portraiture
• rendering
• sketch
• vignette

Examples of portrayal in a Sentence

his novel presents a moving portrayal of a woman searching for personal fulfillment and happiness

Recent Examples on the Web

How did your own motherhood journey inform your portrayal of Gemma? —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2025

Helen Schneider, acclaimed internationally for powerful portrayals in musicals like Sunset Boulevard, Evita, and her one-woman show A Walk on the Weill Side, embraced the complexities of portraying Leonard Bernstein. —Court Stroud, Forbes, 16 Mar. 2025

Clancy Brown’s portrayal of him was spot-on and so terrific. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 14 Mar. 2025

Her portrayal of the iconic character broke box office records, with her first week earning the show its highest-grossing non-holiday performance week. —Esther Kang, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

portray + -al entry 2

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for portrayal

• betrayal

Kids Definition

portrayal

noun

por·​tray·​al pōr-ˈtrā(-ə)l 

pȯr-

1

: the act or process of portraying : representation

2

: portrait sense 1